BMe: Funding everyday Black men

Did you know that there are more brothers in college than in prison?

BMe is headquartered in Miami but they are looking to start an actual campaign within the neighborhoods.

“We would love to launch here,” Shorters said. “But first a few things would have to happen.”

Shorters said, “One, people need to sign up to show their interest from people in the community; two, looking for those with a qualifying background in leadership positions to apply for various staff positions; three, actually participate in the various campaigns and have a willingness to be involved; and most importantly — funding.”

Shorters is all for BMe telling the truth about the Black men around the world.

Growing up in Pontiac, Michigan, which has a 52.1 percent Black population, Shorters recalls the hardships he faced growing up.

“I grew up never expecting to leave Pontiac,” he said. “As a Black male in a poor community, we set our expectations low because we aren’t sure what we can achieve.”

BMe seeks the “brothers” in the community and give them a platform to share their stories of strengthening the community and ask one question: what else would you do if we gave you funding?

In 2012 and in 2013 a total of 70 men were funded through BMe. Which has since provided services and opportunities to more than 100,000 of their neighbors.

“We want to let people know that 95 percent of our millionaires aren’t rappers, or actors, or chasing a ball,” he said. “We tell the stories of the extreme.”

“We have got to stop letting them tell lies. It’s not what they call you — it’s what you answer to,” Shorters concluded.